Chapter JI Turns 10!

 

Chapter JI was organized on September 17, 2016

                             

In our first 10 years, we have:

Raised and donated nearly $50,000 to help women reach for the stars;

Successfully sponsored 17 women for scholarships, grants, and loans;

Launched a Bed & Breakfast;

Found out people won't buy bottled water when it's raining;

Initiated 15 members into our Sisterhood and welcomed 11 sisters by transfer;

Enjoyed lots of fun socials and holiday parties;

Been there for each other through thick and thin.

    At our chapter meeting on September 16, 2026, we also celebrated the 10-year membership milestone reached by the four sisters who were initiated in the P.E.O. Sisterhood and became charter members the on the day we organized. 

(l.-r.: Tanya Lynn, Roberta Meyer, Marguerite Lipton; not pictured: Lyn Dwornik)

        photo taken by Annette Oakley 

Pool Party

 Thirteen sisters enjoyed spending time and sharing lunch together at the Erie Commons Pool on Monday, August 30th.

(Clockwise from bottom left: Sarah Raessler, Lorraine Brooks, Jill Hyde, Jan Smith,Tanya Lynn, 

Vicky Hughes, Mary Kay Durbin, Mary Jean Cardinale, Annie Gaddy)

photo taken by Annette Oakley

Joan Baker

 At our August meeting, our newest member received her official P.E.O. emblem. Joan's mentor, Jan Smith, had the honor of presenting it to her.

  

Jan Smith and Joan Baker

(photo taken by Jill Hyde)

Cottey Classmates Pay Tribute

On July 13, 2026, Colorado paid tribute to long-time journalist Lynn Bartels who died from glioblastoma at age 69. Lynn was a proud P.E.O. and alumna of Cottey College. As classmates of Lynn, JI sisters Maggie McDonnell and Kathie Burson were invited to participate with 15 other "Cottey Girls" in singing four of Lynn's favorite Cottey songs. 

(photo taken by Andrew Hudson)

JI Welcomes a New Sister!

Joan Baker was initiated into the P.E.O. Sisterhood on July 6, 2026. In addition to twelve of our chapter members, Joan's friend Pam Williams (IN/Louisville) attended this special meeting.

(l.-r. Lorraine Brooks, Jan Smith, Kate Ward, Jill Hyde, Joan Baker, 

Kathie Burson, Annie Gaddy, Maggie McDonnell, Vicky Hughes.)

Photo taken by Annette Oakley

As is our tradition, Joan was gifted a jar of daisies. These were grown with love in the garden of Deborah and Sarah Raessler.

Resonance Women's Chorus Spring Concert 2026

 Note from Annie: Our director told us last night that tickets for the one Boulder concert are selling much faster than the Longmont concert(s) so if Boulder is where you want to go, it is best to buy tickets very soon. 

Resonance Women's Chorus Think of Yourself as a Breath of Fresh Air Sat. and Sun, April 25 and 26 Sat., May 2 All concerts at 5:00 pm April 25 and 26 at UCC Longmont May 2 at First United Methodist, Boulder Advance purchase is recommended. We will livestream the April 26 concert.  Tickets and full information are at resonancechorus.org.

JI Officers 2026-2027

 

Your Just Incredible Officers for 2026-2027 

were elected in February and installed in March.

(l.-r. Kathie Burson, president; Kate Ward, vice president;

Tanya Lynn, corresponding secretary; Mary Kay Durbin, recording secretary;

Maggie McDonnell, chaplain; and Vicky Hughes, guard)

Photo taken by Jill Hyde